SRINAGAR: Authorities detained 48 individuals during pre-dawn operations on Thursday following the deaths of four protesters and injuries to over 80 others. This unrest erupted in Leh as security forces reportedly opened fire to disperse a violent demonstration demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.
Calm was restored under a heavy curfew on Thursday, with minimal traffic in the streets of Leh, limited mainly to official vehicles. To enforce order, police and paramilitary forces, including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, conducted patrols. District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk announced the closure of all schools and colleges for two days starting September 26.
At the Sonam Norboo Memorial Hospital, the situation became stable after a chaotic Wednesday. Four deceased individuals were returned to their families post-autopsy, and recovered bullets are being analyzed at the Forensic Science Laboratory in Jammu and Kashmir. Approximately 60 of those injured were discharged, though one critical patient is slated for transfer to AIIMS.
The clashes also resulted in injuries to 20 security personnel. Protesters set fire to the local BJP office, damaged public property, and hurled stones at security forces. Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta accused the demonstrators of attempting to ignite a paramilitary vehicle and attributed the unrest to “outsiders” and the “provocative” statements of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike since September 9 advocating for Sixth Schedule and statehood, concluded his protest on Wednesday.
The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution provides tribal areas in Northeast India with autonomy over their land, resources, and culture. Since the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories, including Ladakh, in 2019, Ladakhis have sought similar protections. Talks held by a high-powered committee established by the Central government in 2023 resulted in only a domicile policy, leading to increased frustration as further discussions are scheduled for October 6.
Ladakh MP Haji Mohammad Haneefa Jan called for an investigation into the use of live ammunition, labeling the response from law enforcement as “disproportionate.” Speaking from Kargil, where a shutdown was called by the Kargil Democratic Alliance, he criticized government delays in addressing local grievances.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged for restraint, emphasizing the need for peaceful dialogue and the government’s responsibility to understand the reasons for such unrest rather than blaming external factors.
In Srinagar, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah refuted the LG’s claims regarding outside involvement in the protests, highlighting the ongoing territorial challenges posed by China. He advocated for resolution through dialogue.
Congress elder Karan Singh, son of Jammu and Kashmir’s last Dogra ruler, called on the residents of Ladakh to remain calm and urged the government to consider constitutional safeguards, stating that inclusion in the Sixth Schedule seems a reasonable solution.
Congress representatives from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh criticized the BJP and the central government for neglecting their demands concerning land, culture, jobs, and political rights. They denounced what they see as a diversionary tactic and underscored the insult to the peaceful citizenry of Ladakh in light of recent events.
